Finding Common Ground: Relationship Building and Communication between PO and Client within a Community Supervision Setting

Abstract

Previous research on the community supervision model entitled Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS) focuses on the increased attention trained probation officers (POs), as opposed to non-trained POs, pay to using core correctional practices (Smith et al. 2012). While studies like this present a picture of what POs do during face-to-face interactions, there is little focus on PO perceptions of these day-today practices. Furthermore, still less studies center the clients on supervision in order to better understand topics such as ideal PO, ideal relationship, and perceptions of common community supervision strategies. To address these gaps, this study uses 30 semi-structured interviews with 15 POs and 15 clients either employed by or under supervision in West County in a northwest state in the U.S. Findings highlight the importance of identity verification for both PO and client. Moreover, this study highlights specific strategies used by POs seeking to balance the care and control aspects of their job. In addition, findings highlight the negative impact that grouping or labeling has on clients, while also showing the potentially positive effect addressing these fears has on the PO-client relationship. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project would not have been possible without Dr. Rousell and Dr. Campbell who gave me an incredible amount of support throughout the process of completing this project. Also, to my mother who has always been my number one support person. Finally, Dr. Rudes took time out of her busy life to push me to a new level as an academic. To all of these people I say thank you.